Bank of England reduces bank rate by 0.25 percentage points to 5.0%
The Bank of England''s Monetary Policy Committee today voted to reduce the official Bank Rate paid on commercial bank reserves by 0.25 percentage points to 5.0%. Budget 2008
Budget 2008 - On 12 March, Alistair Darling stepped up to deliver his first Budget as Chancellor of the Exchequer, of which he labelled a ?responsible Budget to restore and sustain stability?. What does it mean for us? Small Businesses Show Resilience
British small businesses have dug in their heels against a tide of market pessimism. Far from being defeatist, the industry remains confident about sales and profit growth for the year ahead, according to the second NatWest and RBS Small Business Monitor. Whilst the issue of CGT reforms have loomed over small businesses for months, research shows this clearly wasn?t their No1 concern. Gordon Brown?s legacy
At the end of this month Chancellor Gordon Brown will replace Tony Blair as Prime Minister, but before he takes over the reigns of the country he?ll leave a financially crippling legacy. Jam Not Always So Tasty for Buy-To-Let Rate Tarts
More and more incentives are being offered to buy-to-let (BTL) mortgage borrowers looking to switch their BTL mortgage borrowing from one provider to another. But how worthwhile are freebies to so-called ?rate tarts? when looking at the cost of the mortgage over the longer term? Buy-to-Let Administration and Regulation
Recent press coverage and industry research indicates that there has never been a better time to enter the buy-to-let market, but following recent developments, leading finance guide Business Moneyfacts suggests it is not necessarily the case for everyone. Business Banks Need to be More Switched On
A recent Business Moneyfacts survey highlighted that banks need to make a good first impression to potential new business customers Is It Really The End Of Free Banking?
The announcement by First Direct earlier this month, to introduce monthly fees to customers who don?t meet their revised account criteria, caused a real stir in the media. People in the UK have become used to not having to pay for their bank accounts and are wondering if this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to having to pay for their current accounts. Buy To Let Investment
By investing in a buy to let property for a university bound offspring, parent''s can save their child money and hopefully reap a healthy reward. Business Moneyfacts Editor, Lee Tillcock suggests prospective parents may have a lot more to learn about the University option. Buy To Let
If you are thinking of becoming a landlord there are many things to consider. People choose to invest in property for a number of reasons. Perhaps utmost in the minds of most is the thought that letting out a property will provide a lucrative source of additional income. But if you are considering investing in property it is important to remember that it can be dangerous to your financial health if the property market falls. The Typical Landlord
Research from Paragon Mortgages and Mortgage Trust has revealed the make-up of a typical buy-to-let landlord in today?s market. SME outlook - A cautious confidence
This month has seen continuing signs of recovery and a returning confidence to the SME market. Three separate surveys have been released highlighting a more upbeat mood, with a cautious optimism growing across all sectors. Rate Relief - Businesses missing out
A snapshot survey carried out by the Local Government Association has revealed half of small businesses across England are missing out on funds, vital to their future, in some cases making the difference between staying afloat and going bust. National Audit Office - Small Business Service criticised
The Department of Trade and Industry?s Small Business Service (SBS) has come in for some heavy criticism this month. Being labelled as overly complex and lacking influence, the service has been accused of having effectiveness that is difficult to measure. White Paper - Warnings over proposals
The recent Government White Paper on pensions has not surprisingly encouraged a range of strong opinion. Whilst all welcome the move to finally address the pension issue, others have expressed concern over the effects on businesses.
